Vitamins A, C, and E - the antioxidants that protect cells from damage and promote heart health - are also good for your eyesight.
Research suggests that antioxidants reduce your risk for eye diseases. Vitamin A protects against blindness (Mom and Bugs Bunny were right about that carrot thing), vitamin C may play a role in preventing or aiding glaucoma, and both vitamins C and E may reduce risk for cataracts and macular degeneration.
Get your antioxidants from foods such as these:
- Vitamin A: Carotenoids give carrots their orange color. You find these chemical compounds in many red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables and in green leafy vegetables. Best sources: cod liver oil, liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash
- Vitamin C: Bioflavonoids are biologically active compounds found in the rinds of citrus fruit and other plants. They help your body absorb vitamin C. Best sources: sweet peppers (red or green), kale, strawberries, broccoli, oranges, cantaloupe
- Vitamin E: Go nuts for the protective effects of vitamin E. Best sources: sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts
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